Today, technology is at the core of almost every company in the world. 80% of companies use technology in some form for marketing, product fulfillment, personnel management or other operations — all to make the company a better, safer place to work.

This increase in technology has led to a parallel demand for IT Specialists — professionals who understand how to create, maintain and optimize computer systems for their employers. If you’re passionate about working with computers or you want to help companies of all sizes make better use of their computer systems, the role of an IT Specialist might be ideal for you.

How do I become an IT specialist?

Most aspiring IT professionals follow five steps to become an IT Specialist:

1. Obtain IT-related education
2. Combine your IT skills and experience
3. Complete additional IT certifications
4. Network across the IT industry
5. Consider ongoing IT training

There are many ways to become an IT Specialist. We’ve outlined one of the easiest paths to IT success in more detail below.

1. Complete your initial IT education

Today, many IT Specialists choose to first obtain an IT degree in computer science or a related field. However, that’s hardly the only way to obtain the IT education you need. In fact, barely 50% of Americans view a college degree as vital for their careers. The rest have found a better way to learn — like an accelerated IT Bootcamp that teaches IT fundamentals in a matter of weeks.

No matter how you learn IT fundamentals, know that the best IT programs all have on

You can build a successful career as an information security analyst, by having a computer-related degree or building experience through an entry-level position, being fluent in essential skills and tools, attaining field-relevant certifications, networking with peers and industry leaders through bootcamp.

You’ll have a range of responsibilities if you work in IT. On a daily basis, you might help protect your company’s networks, build hardware or software programs or train new employees in data security best practices.

The need for qualified IT specialists has grown exponentially in recent years, with employment growth rates as high as 21% for select IT professionals.

It’s the perfect time for you to break into the industry — as long as you have the right skills. Master top IT skills in fields like programming, networking and cybersecurity to make yourself indispensable in an IT role.

What are the best IT skills?

Six IT skills — programming, cybersecurity, data operations, system networking, UX/UI and mobile application development — can help you succeed in an IT role from day one.

1. Programming

If you’re looking for an IT position that includes tasks in software development or website operations, you’ll need skills in programming. Depending on your individual job responsibilities, you might need to learn programming languages like Python, C, JavaScript and C++.

Even if you’re looking for a non-traditional IT career, programming skills can still help you succeed in your role. Even a basic knowledge of common programming languages can help you better understand your team’s tasks, roadblocks and potential project delivery dates.

2. Cybersecurity

Data has become more available and accessible than ever. As a result, the need for IT specialists who are fluent in cybersecurity is at an all-time high. Even if you don’t plan on specializing in this field, cybersecurity is a vital skill for every IT team. Familiarizing yourself with foundational cyber skills will make you an even greater asset to future employers hiring IT roles.

Some o

There has never been a better time to break into the Product Management industry.

Besides the average six-figure salary, Glassdoor rates the Product Manager role as the tenth-best job in America, making the field more competitive than ever.

Whether you’re a veteran in the Product Management world or you’re just getting started, a Product Management bootcamp is perfect for anyone who wants to take their career to the next level — without paying sky-high rates for a four-year degree.

In this article, we’re going to share with you a list of the six best Product Management bootcamps of 2023.

What are the best bootcamps for Product Management?

After conducting extensive market research, we’ve compiled this list of the six top Product Management bootcamps for you to consider (in no particular order).

1. Cal State East Bay Product Management Bootcamp

Location: Online

Commitment: Part-time

Length: 25 weeks

Price: Available upon inquiry

Cal State East Bay Product Management Bootcamp is designed to help you develop a professional portfolio, gain real-world experience and practice the most up-to-date, sought-after skills in the industry. This immersive bootcamp also integrates networking opportunities and job search support into its curriculum so that you are guided every step of the way.

2. Product Management Bootcamp at Texas McCombs

Location: Online

Product Management is one of the fastest-growing, most lucrative careers in the business world. It’s no wonder that new positions for qualified Product Managers open every day.

To excel in the Product Management field, it’s no surprise that you’ll need a few skills at your disposal. Let’s explore some of the most important skills that Product Managers might need, below.

What are the best skills for Product Management?

The following list consists of the top 8 skills a Product Manager might need for success in their role.

1. Understanding market and industry trends

You might not need a business degree to become a Product Manager, but you absolutely need to know the basics of the business world (such as marketing, sales, negotiating). You’ll also need to know the specifics of your industry. For example, if you work for a company that creates sports products, you will most likely need to understand the customers who shop at your store. It’s one thing to know your product inside and out — it’s another to know the ins and outs of the market, industry and relevant business trends.

2. Setting and tracking KPIs

You’ll work with several different teams as a Product Manager. To lead those teams effectively, you’ll need to be able to set and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Tracking these metrics will help you keep all team members accountable for their tasks, and will help you identify exactly when your department and your company will reach growth goals.

3. Conducting market research

Market research can help you identify a direction for your company’s products. With the right research, you can even understand which products your customers might prefer, and how to go about creating those products. The same research can help you identify new audiences to sell your products to.

4. Implementing UX and UI best practices

As a Product Manager, it’s also important to have a complete unde

Customer needs are constantly changing. To address evolving customer needs, companies today are hiring Product Managers — to help create products that make people’s lives easier.

Product Managers are responsible for leading their teams through each stage of the product lifecycle, and for teaching companies how to adapt to changing markets. For example, as a Product Manager you might explain how customers have changed over a period of time, and help your employer create products specifically for those customers.

Before you can join the fast-growing world of Product Management, you’ll need the right combination of skill and experience. One of the best ways to learn these skills, and gain this experience, is through a Product Management bootcamp.

In this article we’ll identify how much you can expect to pay for a Product Management bootcamp — and we’ll answer additional questions about pricing.

How much does a Product Management bootcamp cost?

The short answer is, it depends.

Product Management bootcamps can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on a variety of factors.

Some of these factors include:

• Program reputation — Details like the popularity and the reputation of the bootcamp can affect the overall cost
• Level of customization — Generic Product Management bootcamps are often more affordable, but less effective, than fully personalized programs
• Size of the class — The size of your bootcamp class can also affect the price, particularly if the bootcamp offers one-on-one mentorship or group courses
• Location — Bootcamps typically take place fully online if your bootcamp also includes a hybrid education model, it typically comes with an extra expense

Consider the above factors when choosing your

One of the best ways to learn basic skills in Product Management is through industry-specific education. For some students, that might look like a Product Management bootcamp. For other individuals looking to prioritize real-world experience, an internship might be a better option.

Both internships and bootcamps offer their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, similarities and differences. The best choice for you will depend on different factors, such as your current job status and existing skills.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at both Product Management bootcamps and internship models to help you determine the best path forward.

What is a Product Management internship?

Product Management internships, at their core, are a stepping stone that helps you transition from newbie to employed professional. The standard internship length ranges from one month to one year, though the most common internships are 3-6 months. At the right company, a Product Management internship can be invaluable for giving you direct insight into the inner workings of the industry and teaching real-world experience.

Unfortunately, Product Management internships are generally unpaid. Though you will certainly gain large amounts of real-world experience, you might also have to find other ways to support yourself during that time.

What is a Product Management bootcamp?

Product Management bootcamps can last weeks to four months, ranging from in-person coaching to self-led online courses and everything in between. They are generally geared towards adult learners or those seeking a career change, but they’re also well-suited to anyone wanting to enhance their skills to advance an existing Product Management career.

The best bootcamps are flexible and tailored to support your unique needs and goals, while also equipping you with tried-and-true skills and hands-on experience that will make you job-ready by the

At one time, Product Managers were considered a luxury in the Product Management field. Only the top-performing organizations and the best-selling companies could afford to hire Product Managers to improve their efficiency.

Today, Product Managers are less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Companies that want to stay competitive generally need at least one Product Manager, someone who can help optimize every stage of the product lifecycle.

To earn your spot in the Product Management field, you’ll first need the right education — and there are a number of education options you can choose from. Some aspiring Product Management professionals opt for a four-year degree program from a traditional university.

In other cases, you might choose to particulate in an accelerated bootcamp program, to learn fundamentals in record time.

In this article, we’re going to compare Product Management bootcamp and degree programs, to help you figure out which one is best for your career.

Product Management bootcamp vs degree: the basic distinctions

Both Product Management bootcamps and degree programs offer unique paths to well-paying Product Management careers. However, there are some clear distinctions between the two types of programs.

Bootcamps are short-term programs and courses (typically less than six months) that can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. These bootcamps are designed to enhance your skills and provide a firm foundation in the Product Management field.

By contrast, some aspiring Product Management professionals prefer a degree program, one that takes considerably longer and provides more of a background on the industry and applicable skills. Degrees aren’t always required by employers, particularly today — in an era where more and more students are migrating away from four-year degree programs in favor of faster, more affordable education.

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